Side Hustle School Ep. 3084 - STORY: Kiwi Coder Makes Extra $50,000/Year from Digital Paintbrushes
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Jun 11, 2025 A talented New Zealand software developer turns her passion for calligraphy into profit by creating digital paintbrushes for Procreate. She shares her inspiring journey of earning an extra $50,000 a year from her artistic side hustle. Strategies like product bundling and engaging with the community play a crucial role in her success, all achieved without any advertising costs. This episode is a testament to how creativity and innovation can flourish alongside a full-time job.
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Karen's Digital Brush Side Hustle
- Karen Newport, a software engineer, applied her coding skills to create digital paintbrushes for the iPad app Procreate.
- She earned $50,000 a year selling these digital brushes without paid ads and while keeping her day job.
Bundle Pricing Boosts Sales
- Price digital products below the cost of related apps to encourage purchases; Karen priced her brushes at $2.50 each or $6 for a set of three.
- Offer bundles to increase average order value; Karen's customers often bought three sets totaling $18.
Engage to Build Instagram Following
- Use Instagram smartly by posting beautiful work and engaging actively with followers through likes, comments, and helpful answers.
- Build community trust and grow followers, which drives organic interest without paid ads.